Where have the buzzards gone?

boatbuilder

I've been thinking about this for a few months now and maybe someone could shine some light on it?

I live in the countryside in the North East and last spring we noticed a buzzard down the road flying around - we'd often see it perched on a telephone pole as we drove past, or circling overhead. It was there pretty regularly over a good few months.

Then in August one day I was walking down the same road and saw not one, but FIVE buzzards in that same place. Some were smaller than the others so I presume they were young ones. You could hear them screeching as they soared and circled around.

Anyhow, I haven't seen any of them since maybe September - I'm hoping they have migrated or something and that some farmer hasn't shot them?
Are they likely to return to the same spot?

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

I'm in the north east too.

The 5 birds in summer would be the parents plus fledged chicks. There is actually not a great difference in size between adults and fledged young.

They move further afield within their home range in winter but do not migrate. They will return to the breeding area around this time of year. I had 3 in the garden last week after an absence of a few months.
Don't fret, they will be back in their area again soon.

peter1892

I see them regularly in my part of North Dublin. Often there will be two of them. sometimes more, occasionally just one. But I see them at least once a week.

dodderangler

Loads in Dublin in most areas. I work in clondalkin and there's always 2 flying around above the job.
Hopefully this won't happen here
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/apr/03/scottish-birtd-of-prey-colony-mass-poisonings

Half-cocked

I saw 7 circling around together up in Cavan a couple of weeks back. Must have been a big family?

cuddlycavies

See them daily in Wicklow, Dublin Kildare and Louth. This week saw them out in Cooley and Newry. Increasing all the time.

Desmo

There was one in UCD last week for a few days. It gave me a fright when I saw it first as it was soaring very low over the trees and flew over me at tree height and appeared suddenly over a tree.

ninja 12

I've heard buzzards overhead for the last few days but couldn't see them .

Today got to see six or seven circling for about half an hour , in Louth .

siledee

Most probably have other things on their minds these days ie nests,attracting a mate etc.
Not seen any of mine on the usual poles but did spy two circling high a few days ago.
Nice sunny day and they seemed to be playing with each other in the sky.

ytpe2r5bxkn0c1

siledee wrote: »

Most probably have other things on their minds these days ie nests,attracting a mate etc.
Not seen any of mine on the usual poles but did spy two circling high a few days ago.
Nice sunny day and they seemed to be playing with each other in the sky.

They are much more active at this time of year.

dgt

Have seen several buzzards between Athboy and Navan, they must nest nearby

boatbuilder

Happy to report that the buzzards are back again... They must move around a good bit during the year.

olly_mac

I am seeing them more often in Dublin city these days. I was doing some work up in Inchicore last week and had three above me at one stage. I am thinking they are from the nearby Phoenix Park. But I have also spotted some over Temple Bar.... Or were these "culture vultures"....


Ok... I'll get my coat :P